Clonmel preview

Those who saw Cooldine run away with the 2009 RSA Chase would never have believed he would be without another victory almost three years later, and he attempts to get back on track in Thursday's Clonmel Festival Week Chase.

All but one of his 10 outings since have come at the highest level - most recently when he trailed home last in the Lexus - but he still has to rate as a major disappointment for Willie Mullins.

In this five-runner race, he isn't even the choice of Ruby Walsh, who partners last year's beaten Grand National favourite The Midnight Club, leaving the champion trainer's son Patrick with the task of rekindling Cooldine's enthusiasm.

Immediate Response hasn't been seen since October 2009 and has his first start for Mullins in the Clonmel Festival Week Handicap Hurdle. Stablemate Boxer Georg returns from a slightly shorter absence in the Clonmel Festival Week Maiden Hunters Chase.

The most prestigious race on the card is the Listed Surehaul Merecedes-Benz Novice Hurdle, in which Folsom Blue strives to confirm his Thurles superiority over Castle Wings and Archie Meade.

He is in receipt of weight from My Murphy, who beat the reopposing Best Served Cold to land a Limerick Grade 3, while Knockgraffon King has his sights raised but looked a decent prospect at Navan.

Is Herself About's winning run came to an end when upped to Listed company at Fairyhouse, but she emerged with her reputation intact by finishing fifth and should again have the measure of Noras Fancy in the Clonmel Festival Week Mares Novice Hurdle.

Ballyburke and Undertheboardwalk are interesting newcomers to fences in the Clonmel Festival Week Beginners Chase, while there isn't a great deal to get excited about in the opening Clonmel Festival Week Maiden Hurdle (1.40), so Rising Altitude - a half-brother to Accordion Etoile and French Accordion - could be worth risking on his racecourse introduction.